The next time we see Anderson Silva he will be speaking english - Page 4

dagreat1 · #31 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metalhead

Being a new fan to the sport and only being able to watch UFC I think it is important for your champs to be able to speak the language. There's more to the sport than "just" fighting, as much as the longtime hardcore fans might disagree. If he didn't want to be a "posterboy" he wouldn't fight for the title. Being the champion means you are the man. That doesn't just include carrying a belt around, it means being a figure head. I think he should be strongly encouraged to learn the language so the UFC fans care about the guy.

That is certainly the case in pro wrestling but in MMA, the fighters control their own destiny and are after 1 thing, money... It is not like pro wrestling where they need to have speaking skills and outgoing personalities, it is all about fight performance.

The title is about getting paid more and knowing that you are the best in that weight class in that organization. A fan following feels good and that is what seems to be driving the UFC right now, but it is not what drives the fighters, money first, then popularity.

IMO I hope he does not learn English and the UFC tries to bring in an outside force to dethrown him and he handles them like he has his previous 2 opponents. To me that would be the best case scenerio as not many people enjoy their employer telling them they need to change who they are as a person, this is MMA, not WWF so who needs a dictatorship.

Mac · #32 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagreat1

That is certainly the case in pro wrestling but in MMA, the fighters control their own destiny and are after 1 thing, money... It is not like pro wrestling where they need to have speaking skills and outgoing personalities, it is all about fight performance.

The title is about getting paid more and knowing that you are the best in that weight class in that organization. A fan following feels good and that is what seems to be driving the UFC right now, but it is not what drives the fighters, money first, then popularity.

IMO I hope he does not learn English and the UFC tries to bring in an outside force to dethrown him and he handles them like he has his previous 2 opponents. To me that would be the best case scenerio as not many people enjoy their employer telling them they need to change who they are as a person, this is MMA, not WWF so who needs a dictatorship.

Agreed, also this guy didn't fight Franklin to be a posterboy, he did it to prove he's the best.

JimmyMoore · #33 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 03:22 PM

To suggest that Silva needs to learn English is approching the question from a business perspective. You are putting the dollar above the sport. What Silva NEEDS to do is keep knocking people the fuck out. You don't aquire a fanbase by conforming to what they want. You become popular because people like who you are. Stop slighting the sport with talk of what would be better for business!

Kewl144 · #34 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 03:31 PM

Just let the man fight and let his handlers worry about marketing. Oh and someone make sure that he doesnt mention that he likes Michael Jackson in a post fight interview.

Mac · #35 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 03:36 PM

Just imagine if everyone spoke perfect english, we never would have got the now classic
"I come to fuck Chuck!"

WadoKai · #36 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 04:09 PM

The words that come out of your mouth make up for like 10% of communication. Most of communication comes from body language and tone of voice.

English or not, I could tell Silva was elated to have won that fight. People watch the UFC knowing the fighters come from international backgrounds. Just because the champ now isn't some English speaking guy, native to the main audience's home country, doesn't mean there should be a burden on him to learn another language. I watch MMA for fighting prowess, not grammatical aptitude.

I think people who think Silva has to learn English so he can appeal to the American audience are ignorant, spoiled, and conceited. Just my 2 cents.

JimmyMoore · #37 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WadoKai

I watch MMA for fighting prowess, not grammatical aptitude.

Well said sir.

dagreat1 · #38 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WadoKai

The words that come out of your mouth make up for like 10% of communication. Most of communication comes from body language and tone of voice.

English or not, I could tell Silva was elated to have won that fight. People watch the UFC knowing the fighters come from international backgrounds. Just because the champ now isn't some English speaking guy, native to the main audience's home country, doesn't mean there should be a burden on him to learn another language. I watch MMA for fighting prowess, not grammatical aptitude.

I think people who think Silva has to learn English so he can appeal to the American audience are ignorant, spoiled, and conceited. Just my 2 cents.

Agreed... And nice Avy!